Growing intolerance cause for concern: Shabana Azmi

Shabana Azmi said the growing intolerance in the country was a worrying factor

New Delhi: Veteran actress Shabana Azmi today said the growing intolerance in the country was a worrying factor and against the "very spirit of democracy".

The 65-year-old actress, who is known for being vocal about social issues, said the fringe groups should not get the limelight that they often do in the media.

"What is really worrying me as an artiste is this growing culture of intolerance. It is really a cause for concern. For a long time I said this is a fringe element and you need to put it down," Shabana said at the "Women In The World" summit here.

The actress reunited with her "Fire" director Deepa Mehta and co-star Nandita Das for a session on the movie 1996 movie.

Shabana said it is state's business to deal with intolerance.

"Today it is not only about the fringe element, it is coming from a thought that is mainstream which is not respecting dissension at all. It is against the very spirit of democracy... You do not need to agree but do not resort to voilence.

"Intolerance will continue to exist in society as long there are human beings... It state's business to deal with it. How will the state deal with is the question which we need to ask," she added.